Shelf system and shelf support element

ABSTRACT

The present invention concerns a shelf system comprising two or more vertical support elements ( 1 ) with upper and lower contact surfaces ( 3,4 ), fitted between two or more shelf elements ( 20 ), each vertical support element ( 1 ) comprising a cross support member ( 10 ) and a longitudinal support member ( 11 ) which are connected together, wherein each vertical support element ( 1 ) comprises two or more vertical protruding stoppers ( 13,14 ) on both the upper and lower contact surfaces ( 3, 4 ); said stoppers ( 13, 14 ) on each upper and lower contact surface ( 3, 4 ) abut the fitted shelf element ( 20 ) on opposite vertical longitudinal edges of said shelf element; said cross support member ( 10 ) and said longitudinal support member ( 11 ) are connected in an angled relationship. The invention also concerns a vertical support element.

The present invention concerns a shelf system comprising only two basiccomponents; shelf plates and non-fixed vertical shelf supports, whichmay slide freely along the shelf plates and thereby be positioned freelyin order to adapt the shelf supports to the width of books and otherobjects placed in the shelf. The user may assemble the components insmall to large shelf formations exactly according to his or hers needs.The invention also concerns a shelf support element for such a shelfsystem.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Most shelf systems consist of horizontal shelf plates, stiffening backplates, and vertical support elements, which also may function as sidesupports or book supports, wherein these elements are fasted by screwsor in other manner fixed to a predefined position or composition. Whenthe shelf system is to be filled, most user have experienced that aseries of books or a collection of books will almost fit between thevertical support elements of the shelf system, while 1 to 3 books end upon the other side of the support element, alternatively, that a worldatlas may neither may be stacked standing vertically nor lyinghorizontally in the shelf.

From JP 03158106 a shelf system is known with vertical support elementscomprising two perpendicular vertical elements provided with pegs thatmay slide in grooves in the shelves in the length direction. This systemrelies on milled grooves that will be visible for the user, into whichthe pegged vertical support elements must be thread. In order torearrange the shelf system, each influenced element must be carefullywithdrawn.

By using the shelf system described in the present application, a morecomplete flexibility is obtained. The user may decide for him or hershelf where the vertical support elements are to be placed and maythereby obtain enough space for the complete series of books withinthese support elements without the use of fastening means such as screwsor grooves and pegs. Space for all the children's games may for examplebe provided as the vertical support element may slide in order to fitexactly. If a wider game box is obtained at a later time, the verticalsupport element may easily be moved sideways in order to provide spacefor the new game. If heavy objects are placed on the shelves, this maybe compensated by positioning the vertical support elements with lessspace in between or by additional elements in order to prevent the shelffrom bending. If it is desired to use the shelf system as a room divideror a partition, the vertical support elements may be turned around, backto front, so that the shelf system is accessible from both sides, orprovide blocking to hide certain objects or prevent to prevent them fromfalling out on one side of the shelf.

SHORT DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The shelf system comprises horizontal shelf plates and vertical supportelements. The latter is sufficiently reinforced or stiffened and isstructurally load-bearing in that they are formed as angled L-shapes,V-shapes or alternatively T-shapes. In this manner the vertical supportplates also make up a side and back support for the books or objectsplaced on a shelf. One shelf height is composed by placing one shelfplate in the base, then placing two or more vertical support elements ontop, and further placing another shelf plate on top of the verticalsupport elements again. If several shelves are desired, the user maycontinue by placing two or more vertical support elements and a shelfevery other time and finally a shelf on top.

The vertical support elements are designed with parallel horizontalsupport surfaces towards the shelves, while extending stoppers protrudepast the front and back side of the shelf make up an edge or a lip oneach longitudinal side of the shelves, like train wheels on a track.This ensures that the vertical support elements may only slide in thelength direction of to the shelf plates and thereby do not “derail”. Thevertical support elements may be placed in four different manners, rightand left sided, and both toward the front or the back of the shelf. Intotal this provides the user with a unique possibility to assemble theelements adapted to his or her specific needs. If the needs change, theelements may easily be rearranged or the system may be expanded in orderto satisfy new requirements. For every height of shelves that is filled,the weight will lead to an increase in stability of the shelf system.

As the system comprises only two basic components which in addition maybe stacked in a compact manner during storage, a very cost efficientproduction and manner of transport is provided.

DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows a shelf according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 shows the shelf support element according to the presentinvention used in FIG. 1 in detail.

FIG. 3 shows an alternative embodiment of a shelf according to thepresent invention.

FIG. 4 shows the shelf support element according to the presentinvention used in FIG. 3 in detail.

FIG. 5 shows an alternative embodiment of a shelf according to thepresent invention.

The invention will now be further described by the use of examples ofembodiments, none of which are limiting to the scope of the invention. Aperson skilled in the art will appreciate that modifications may beperformed without leaving the scope and spirit of the present invention,which is only limited by the appended claims.

EMBODIMENTS

In the following description the term “cross” or “crosswise” or “crossdirection” is meant to be understood as the direction essentiallyperpendicular to the length or width of a normal shelf, i.e. theshortest horizontal dimension of a conventional shelf. Further, by theterm “length” or “lengthwise” or “length direction” is meant thedirection of the length or width of a normal shelf, i.e. the longesthorizontal dimension of a conventional shelf.

In FIG. 1, a basic unit of the shelf system according to the inventionis shown, comprising two shelf plates 20 and two vertical supportelements 1. As apparent from the drawing the support elements 1 may bepositioned towards the front or back of the shelf system.

As shown in FIG. 2 the shelf support element 1 in this embodiment is inthe form of an L-formed element comprising a cross member 10, and alength member 11, both of a certain length which may be equal ordifferent from each other. The cross and length members 10, 11 areconnected in first ends in an angled relationship, such as in aconnecting bend which may bulge out of the traditional angle of anL-shape. The angle relationship is not essential, but may preferably bewithin the range of 45-135°, more preferably about 90° in the presentembodiment. Both members 10, 11 have free second ends.

The cross member 10 and length member 11 both comprise an upper andlower support surface 3, 4 respectively, which surfaces are intended toreceive a bottom surface and a top surface of a shelf element 20respectively. Further, the cross member 10 comprises two or morevertical protrusions or stoppers 13, 14. The stoppers

The support surface 3 is in this embodiment positioned in the middlehorizontal part of the vertical support element 1 and the stoppers 13,14 at the distal ends of the element. The stoppers are intended tocontact the vertical edge of the fitted shelf elements 20 to which thevertical support element is mounted. The stoppers 13, 14 thus locks thecross member in the cross direction of the shelf system in relation tothe shelf elements 20, but allows for lengthwise adjustment of thevertical support element 1 in relation to the shelf elements 20 asdescribed above.

It should be understood that the support surface 3 need not consist ofan entire continuous surface in order to support a shelf element 20, butmay comprise only two points of support in order to balance and supportthe shelf in the cross dimension in this embodiment. The points ofsupport may e.g. be pegs, spacers or protrusions of a height notexceeding the height of the stoppers.

The length member 11, intended to be positioned in the length directionof the shelf system, comprises a support surface 4 and a verticalprotrusion or stopper 14 on both upper and lower part of said piece, thestopper 14 being positioned at the first end. The stopper is intended tocontact a vertical edge of the fitted shelf elements 20 to which thevertical support element 1 is mounted. The stopper 14 providesadditional locking against twisting of the vertical support element 1while allowing lengthwise adjustment of the vertical support element 1in relation to the shelf elements 20 as described above.

The stopper 14 of the length member 11, may be the same stopper 14 asthat of the cross member 10, as shown in FIG. 2. Similarly to the crossmember 10, the support surface 4 of the length member 11 need notconsist of an entire continuous surface in order to support a shelfelement 20, but may comprise only one point of support in order tobalance and support the shelf in this embodiment when the cross member10 provides two or more points of support, provided not all three pointsare in a linear relationship.

Each vertical support element 1 thereby provides at least a total ofthree support points for the shelf elements 20, all tree points lockedin the cross direction of the shelf system by the stoppers 13, 14grasping over the horizontal edges of the shelf elements 20.Alternatively, the length member 11 may comprise two support points andthe cross member 10 only the one support point in order to achieve thesame stability and support, provided not all three points are in alinear relationship.

The vertical support element 1 may be produced in any suitable material,preferably chosen from: wood, laminated wood, paper board, plastic,metal or a composite material, more preferably wood, laminated wood orplastic.

In FIG. 3 and alternative basic unit of a shelf system according to theinvention is shown, comprising two shelf plates 20 and two verticalsupport elements 30. As apparent from the drawing the support elements30 may also here be positioned towards the front or back of the shelfsystem.

As shown in FIG. 4 the vertical support element 30 comprises a crossmember 31 and a length member 32. The cross member 31, comprises asupport surface 33 and a vertical protrusions or stoppers 35 on bothupper and lower free ends. The support surface 33, which may be the edgeof e.g. a metal plate, covers the remaining horizontal edge of themember, and the second stopper is provided on the length member 32 as acontinuous stopper 36 running along the horizontal edge of the lengthpiece on the outer part of a support surface 34. The stoppers 35, 36thus also locks the vertical support element 30 in the cross directionof the shelf system in relation to the shelf elements 20, but allows forlengthwise adjustment of the vertical support element 30 in relation tothe shelf elements 20 as described above. The continuous contact lengthof the stopper 36 also provides additional locking against horizontaltwisting of the vertical support element 30.

Similar to the support surfaces 3 and 4 of cross member 10 and lengthmember 11 respectively, the support surfaces 33 and 34 of the supportelement 30 may contain only tree points of support in order to providesufficient stability and support, provided not all three points are in alinear relationship.

The vertical support element 31 may be produced in any suitablematerial, preferably chosen from: wood, paper board, plastic, metal,metal sheet or a composite material, more preferably metal sheet.

It should be understood that the vertical support elements 1 and 31 onlyneed two stoppers on each top and bottom side in order to hindercrosswise movement. The third stopper, or alternatively the secondstopper is in the form of a surface parallel with the shelf element,only provides additional locking against horizontal rotation of thesupport element and is not imperative.

In FIG. 5, an alternative composition of the shelf system according tothe invention is shown, wherein vertical support elements 1, as shown inFIG. 2, are used to construct a more complex composition. The shelfsystem in this embodiment comprises four shelf plates 22 with threeseparating vertical support elements 1 in each story in varyinghorizontal length positions and facing forward or backwards in a randomfashion.

1. A shelf system comprising two or more vertical support elements (1)with upper and lower contact surfaces (3,4), fitted between two or moreshelf elements (20), each vertical support element (1) comprising across support member (10) and a longitudinal support member (11) whichare connected together, characterized in that each vertical supportelement (1) comprises two or more vertical protruding stoppers (13,14)on both the upper and lower contact surfaces (3, 4); said stoppers (13,14) on each upper and lower contact surface (3, 4) abut the fitted shelfelement (20) on opposite vertical longitudinal edges of said shelfelement; said cross support member (10) and said longitudinal supportmember (11) are connected in an angled relationship.
 2. A shelf systemaccording to claim 1, wherein the vertical support elements (1) areidentical.
 3. A shelf system according to claim 1, wherein the angledrelation ship between the cross support member (10) and longitudinalsupport member (11) is in the range of about 45° to about 135°.
 4. Ashelf system according to claim 1, wherein the angled relation shipbetween the cross support member (10) and longitudinal support member(11) is perpendicular.
 5. A shelf system according to claim 1, whereinthe contact surface (3, 4) of the vertical support element (2) comprisestotally three points of contact with the fitted shelf (2), said threepoints of contact being positioned in a non-linear relationship.
 6. Ashelf system according to claim 5, wherein the contact surface (3,4) ofthe cross support member (10) comprises 1 point of contact and thecontact surface (3,4) of the longitudinal support member (11) comprises2 points of contact with the fitted shelves on both bottom and top edge.7. A shelf system according to claim 5, wherein the contact surface(3,4) of the cross support member (10) comprises 2 points of contact andthe contact surface (3,4) of the longitudinal support member (11)comprises 1 point of contact with the fitted shelves (2) on both bottomand top edge.
 8. A shelf system according to claim 1, wherein eachvertical support element (2) comprises three stoppers (13, 14) on bothupper and lower contact surfaces (3,4), one stopper (13) contacting avertical longitudinal edge of the shelf element (2) and the remainingtwo edge stoppers (14) contacting the opposite vertical longitudinaledge of the shelf element (2).
 9. A shelf system according to claim 8,wherein said two stoppers (36) comprise a continuous vertical stoppingsurface in the length direction.
 10. A shelf system according to claim1, wherein the stoppers are chosen from the group comprising: pegs,pins, protrusions or felt buttons.
 11. A shelf system according to claim8, wherein one stopper (13) is positioned on the cross support member(10) and two edges stoppers (14) are positioned on the longitudinalsupport member (11).
 12. A shelf system according to claim 9, whereinone stopper (35) is positioned on the cross support member (31) and thecontinuous vertical stopping surface is positioned on the outer side ofthe support surface (34).
 13. A vertical support elements (1) for ashelf comprising upper and lower contact surfaces (3,4), for receiving ashelf plate (20), comprising a cross support member (10) and alongitudinal support member (11) which are connected together,characterized in that the vertical support element comprising: two ormore vertical protruding stoppers (13,14) on both the upper and lowercontact surfaces (3, 4); one of said two or more stoppers (13, 14)positioned on opposite cross ends of the vertical support element ofanother stopper (13, 14): wherein said cross support member (10) andsaid longitudinal support member (11) are connected in an angledrelationship.
 14. A vertical support elements (1) according to claim 13,wherein the angled relation ship between the cross support member (10)and longitudinal support member (11) is in the range of about 45° toabout 135°.
 15. A vertical support elements (1) according to claim 13,wherein the angled relation ship between the cross support member (10)and longitudinal support member (11) is perpendicular.
 16. A verticalsupport elements (1) according to claim 13, wherein the contact surface(3, 4) of the vertical support element (2) comprises totally threepoints of contact with the fitted shelf (2), said three points ofcontact being positioned in a non-linear relationship.
 17. A verticalsupport elements (1) according to claim 13, wherein the contact surface(3,4) of the cross support member (10) comprises 1 point of contact andthe contact surface (3,4) of the longitudinal support member (11)comprises 2 points of contact suitable to contact fitted shelves on bothbottom and top edge.
 18. A vertical support elements (1) according toclaim 17, wherein the contact surface (3,4) of the cross support member(10) comprises 2 points of contact and the contact surface (3,4) of thelongitudinal support member (11) comprises 1 point of contact suitableto contact fitted shelves (2) on both bottom and top edge.
 19. Avertical support elements (1) according to claim 13, wherein eachvertical support element (2) comprises three stoppers (13, 14) on bothupper and lower contact surfaces (3,4).
 20. A vertical support elements(1) according to claim 19, wherein said stoppers (36) comprise acontinuous vertical stopping surface in the length direction.
 21. Avertical support elements (1) according to claim 13, wherein thestoppers are chosen from the group comprising: pegs, pins, protrusionsor felt buttons.
 22. A vertical support elements (1) according to claim21, wherein one stopper (13) is positioned on the cross support member(10) and two edges stoppers (14) are positioned on the longitudinalsupport member (11).
 23. A vertical support elements (1) according toclaim 22, wherein one stopper (35) is positioned on the cross supportmember (31) and the continuous vertical stopping surface is positionedon the outer side of the support surface (34).